Fitting A Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet move into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to let it in or out and can protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
If you want to fit a cat flap fitters near me flap on your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your pet will be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forth.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors with cat flap may differ in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap before you can attach it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting (More methods) service for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also read the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. As a general rule you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit includes a template, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident using a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wishes, so you can let it in or out without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door since UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include an example you can copy it to make your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.